Monopoli is perhaps not one of the best-known destinations in Puglia, perhaps because it has grown up in the shadow of the notoriety of other nearby and far more famous localities (Ostuni, Polignano, Alberobello). For this very reason, however, it allows one to breathe in the atmosphere of an authentic and less touristy Apulia
Monopoli offers a varied territory with a large portion of coastline characterized by small beaches that are truly evocative. The sunset seen from Capitolo (the district with the most beautiful beaches) is a memorable sight. The historic center is undoubtedly worth a visit, with its narrow streets full of history, its spectacular city walls, the imposing Cathedral and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, one of the largest in Italy. Another evocative corner is undoubtedly the harbor, where you can find Venetian, Gothic and Byzantine architectural evidence of the port’s importance in Italian merchant trade over the centuries. And finally, don’t miss a visit to one of the many Masserie Fortificate, buildings that characterize the city’s rural heritage and bear witness to the intervening relationship between men, agricultural labor and production. Established as a defense against the constant invasions that generally came from the sea, they soon became the center of agricultural and social life, where the products of the land were processed and traded. Fun fact: The feast of Our Lady of the Madia, patron saint of the town, is held on August 14.
The procession is very characteristic: both locals and tourists take part in it, accompanying the statue of the Madonna from the Cathedral to the port and then watching it sail out to sea. To authentically experience the sea, it is possible to participate in an excursion aboard a gozzo, a typical Monopoli boat used for octopus fishing, and to be able to experience the moment of fishing by pulling up the nets from the sea.